Sestito and Penguins Embarrass the NHL

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Tom Sestito has been suspended for four games, without pay, for boarding Winnipeg Jets defenseman Toby Enstrom during NHL Game No. 984 in Winnipeg on Wednesday, March 8, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 13:10 of the first period. Sestito was assessed a major penalty for checking from behind and a game misconduct.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Sestito will forfeit $12,777.76. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Now the question is —-was this premeditated. It was no secret that the intensity level was going to be high because of a high hit to the head on Blake Wheeler from Evgeni Malkin earlier in the year. The hit went unpunished and sparked word that there would be retribution.

Well Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan pretty much guaranteed the shenanigans by calling up long time goon Tom Sestito. The dirty play and fighting started early, and culminated by Sestito’s cheap shot to Jets defenseman Toby Enstrom.

Another factor that plays into this suspension is the fact that Sestito will not truly be penalized. Odds are very high that he will be sent down to the AHL, never having to serve his suspension. So should this be served by the coach? Well he called up Sestito because of the pending fights. I remember two years ago when then Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley was suspended for starting what the league deemed a fighting line against John Tortorella and the Vancouver Canucks. What is the difference with this incident. If anything this is much worse — Sestito was called up from the minors and injured a player. So what should happen?

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Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.